By GINNAH MINI
THE Avei Purari Ere Kapea (APEK) Resource Development and Freight Services Limited (RDFSL), Gulf Papua Energy Limited (GPEL) and BNG Trading Company Limited last Friday signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a new consortium, Koine Logistics Operating Waterways (KLOW), with each party holding an equal 33.3 per cent ownership stake and share of profits.
The agreement marks a significant milestone in formalising a partnership that brings together project interests, landowner representation and logistics expertise to support the Papua LNG Project and future development in Gulf Province.
KLOW is envisioned as a long-term enterprise that will provide essential waterway and logistics services for the Papua LNG Project while creating lasting economic opportunities for local communities and future generations.
Under the agreement, BNG will serve as the consortium’s operator, overseeing its commercial, operational, safety and financial functions through its division, Blue Planet Logistics Limited.
Speaking at the signing ceremony at BNG Headquarters, APEK RDFSL Chairman Steven Ravi said the land and waterways owners of Baimuru Local Level Government were honoured to partner with the two companies.
He said the partnership would deliver benefits to local communities, Gulf Province and the country as a whole.
“The Papua LNG Project cannot progress its major development operations without access to the project site. Our river system is the primary access route to this major project, and the agreement signed today gives land and waterways owners a special privilege and opportunity,” Mr Ravi said.
GPEL Executive Chairman Rendle Rimua said he was honoured that the company was establishing a partnership with APEK and BNG.
He acknowledged APEK’s decision to partner with BNG, which has been operating in Papua New Guinea for more than a century.
Mr Rimua welcomed the agreement and expressed confidence in building a successful business relationship among the three parties.
BNG Executive Chairman John Wallace said the company was proud to stand alongside the people and Government of Gulf Province, describing KLOW as an important partnership for the region.
“KLOW combines local ownership with proven operating capability, ensuring that the Papua LNG Project is supported by the communities that live along its routes,” he said.
The consortium’s proposed scope of services will include community engagement and development plans for affected areas, international freight, customs and air logistics, river marine transport and wharf services along the Purari River.
Other services will cover heavy-lift materials and fuel logistics, pipeline right-of-way support, swamp and pipeline logistics, as well as marine support and supply base services.
Through the partnership, the three parties aim to establish a sustainable logistics operation that recognises local landowner participation while supporting the operational requirements of the Papua LNG Project and future developments in Gulf Province.